SODELPA briefs Australian officials

THE Social Democratic and Liberal Party says it will continue to build bridges and voice its perspective on the looming election landscape to representatives of the international community.

And the party yesterday met representatives of the Australian Government who did an assessment of the party at its headquarters in Suva.

Party director communications Jese Sikivou said the team was a high level advisory think tank to the Australian Prime Minister and Cabinet.

"SODELPA welcomed the opportunity to express to high level Australian Government representatives our continuing concerns regarding the looming national elections," Mr Sikivou said.

He said some of the issues raised with the delegation were the alleged continuous involvement of some government officials in the election process.

"The involvement of unilateral and bilateral observer missions to the election as well as the security of polling stations protecting the integrity of the ballot was also expressed to the Australian delegation as a major concern."

He said the delegation was also briefed about various government decrees.

The meeting was attended by Jess Carpenter of the Australian Government; Australia's acting head of mission to Fiji Glen Miles and Peter Lothian.